How to find the perfect dance style for your child
Choosing a dance style for your child can feel a bit like standing in an ice cream shop - there are so many great options, and you want to make sure you pick the one they’ll enjoy the most!
At Dance 24 Seven, we offer a dance style for every personality. Whether your child is a ball of energy who never stops moving, a dreamer who loves to tell stories, or a technician who loves a challenge, we have a class that fits. Here is our guide to matching your child’s unique personality to the perfect dance genre.
The high-energy performer: Jazz
If your child is the first one on the dance floor at a party and loves upbeat music, Jazz is likely their perfect match. Jazz is all about big energy, personality, and style.
What to expect: It’s fast-paced and focuses on kicks, leaps, and turns. It builds incredible coordination and stamina and is danced to today’s music.
Best for: Children who love pop music, have big personalities, and want to develop strength on stage.
Does your child appreciate structure? Do they love the idea of grace, poise, and tradition? Ballet is the foundation of almost all dance forms and is perfect for children who enjoy a sense of calm and focus.
What to expect: At our West Auckland studio, we follow the RAD (Royal Academy of Dance) syllabus. Lessons are structured and focus on posture, flexibility, and precision.
Best for: Detail-oriented children who enjoy a challenge and want to build a strong, disciplined physical foundation.
The rhythmic problem-solver: Tap
This style is for the child who likes to make some noise! Tap is as much about being a musician as it is about being a dancer.
What to expect: Students use their feet like drums to create complex rhythms. It requires great concentration and builds a fantastic ear for music.
Best for: Kids who are constantly tapping their pencils on the desk or those who love puzzles, patterns, and logic.
The creative soul: Contemporary
For the child who is expressive and perhaps a little more "alternative," Contemporary dance offers a beautiful blend of technique and freedom.
What to expect: Our ADPA Contemporary classes explore floor work, fall-and-recovery, and storytelling. It offers a chance for self expression and focus on how the body moves through space.
Best for: Artistic children who want to express their feelings through movement and those who enjoy a more fluid, creative style.
The cool and confident: Hip hop
If your child is inspired by music videos and wants to learn trending moves, Hip hop is the way to go. It’s grounded, rhythmic, and incredibly social.
What to expect: Our classes focus on groove, footwork, and isolation. Our teachers are welcoming and focus on a method that builds a lot of confidence.
Best for: Children who want to dance to modern beats, those who prefer a relaxed vibe, and kids who just want to move.
The "triple threat": Musical theatre
Does your child sing into their hairbrush or act out scenes from their favourite movies? Musical theatre combines the big three: dancing, singing, and acting.
What to expect: We focus on performance skills, learning routines from famous shows, and building the confidence to perform in front of an audience.
Best for: The budding actor or singer who wants to become a versatile performer.
Still not sure? Try them all!
The beauty of Dance 24 Seven is that you don't have to guess. We offer Free Trial Lessons across all our genres. Many of our students start with one style and find they love another once they step into the studio.
Our internationally trained staff are also happy to chat with you at our front desk to suggest a class based on your child's age and interests. With our 2025 results showing world-class achievement across every single one of these genres, you can be sure that whichever style they choose, they are learning from the best.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Which dance style should my child start with first?
Many parents in West Auckland start their children with Classical Ballet as it provides a strong technical foundation for all other genres. However, if your child is high-energy, Jazz or Hip Hop can be a great entry point to build confidence and coordination immediately.
Can my child do more than one dance style at Dance 24 Seven?
Yes! Many of our students at the Whenuapai studio take multiple classes. A popular combination is Ballet and Jazz, as they complement each other’s technique and stamina. We offer a streamlined timetable to make it easy for families to schedule multiple genres on the same day.
What is the difference between Hip Hop and Jazz dance?
Jazz is a technical style focused on leaps, turns, and flexibility, often danced to upbeat pop music. Hip Hop is more grounded and focuses on "groove," footwork, and isolations. Both are high-energy, but Jazz follows a more structured syllabus..
Is Contemporary dance suitable for beginners?
Absolutely. Our ADPA Contemporary classes in Whenuapai are designed to help students of all levels explore creative movement. It is a fantastic style for children who may find traditional ballet too restrictive and prefer a more expressive, fluid way of moving.
How do I know if my child is ready for Musical Theatre?
If your child loves acting, singing, and dancing, they are a perfect candidate for Musical Theatre. This "triple threat" class is excellent for building stage presence and is a favorite for students from local schools like Hobsonville Point Primary who enjoy performing in front of an audience.
How do I book a free trial for different dance styles?
We offer Free Trial Lessons across all our genres at our Whenuapai facility. This allows your child to "test drive" several styles—from Tap to Hip Hop—to see which personality-match feels right before you commit to the term. You can book your trial directly through our website.